Federal Legalization of Marijuana and Hemp

As I have already previously stated in my health care position, we need to remove these ridiculous and antiquated Federal restrictions on marijuana and hemp growth, production, processing and use. Yes, recreational use as well as medical and commercial. The benefits, jobs, and economic stimulus to be gained from legalizing these two plants and their derivatives far outweigh the incredible costs that have been accumulated over the decades of using law enforcement efforts to protect the profits of the petroleum industry.

Recreational usage

I am not proposing unrestrained free reign of these plants and their uses. Marijuana is, without a doubt, an intoxicant and as such its use should be monitored to protect the entire population. I would recommend a few basic standards when it comes to the recreational use of marijuana.

1) Sale and distribution requires federal license and business address.
2) Consumer based locations will require a federal distribution license and a state business license.
3) Growing will require a state agricultural permit, including self usage.
4) Street sales remain illegal and remain under state jurisdiction.
5)Driving a motor vehicle or operating equipment while under the influence will remain illegal and remain under state jurisdiction.
6) May only be consumed in a private residence or consumer based business location, similar to a bar.
7) Public intoxication will still be illegal and remain under state jurisdiction.

Medical usage

Supporters of medical marijuana have used CBD and THC (extracted from marijuana) for an extremely wide variety of illnesses. Today, in several states doctors prescribe medicinal cannabis as a treatment for issues such as sleeping disorders, aches and pains, and eating conditions related to other medical treatments like chemotherapy. Medical marijuana may not be able cure these diseases. It can relieve many of the symptoms and issues related to each illness without the harmful side effects associated with traditional pharmaceutical and synthetic drugs.

The list of illnesses treatable with medical cannabis is so vast that I couldn’t list them all, but to give you a significant “feel” for just how versatile medical marijuana is I composed this general list.

Hemp can be grown as a renewable source for raw materials that can be incorporated into thousands of products. Its seeds and flowers can be used in health foods, organic body care, and other pharmacuticals.

Hemp fibers and stalks can be used in clothing, construction materials, paper, biofuel, plastic composites, and even rechargeable batteries. All of which are environmentally friendly and biodegradable. Reducing the dangers of landfill toxification and ground water pollution.

It would be a beneficial and attractive rotation crop for farmers and enviromentalists. As it grows, hemp breathes in CO2, detoxifies the soil, and prevents soil erosion. After the harvest breaks down into the soil, providing valuable nutrients and reducing the need for artificial fertilizers. Hemp can be grown in all 50 states, requires much less water to grow and no pesticides and so it is much more environmentally friendly than traditional crops.

With a new tax plan and responsible budget, Federal money could be made available for creating job opportunities and reintroduce manufacturing through hemp production and processing. The decriminalization of marijuana would also help reduce critical prison overcrowding.